"My favorite thing about Portland is its size," says Abby Johnson-Ruscansky, a freelance photographer and designer in the greater Portland area and an undergraduate student at the University of Southern Maine.

The photographer at home in Portland.

Abby Johnson-Ruscansky

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"It's both big enough to be fifth on the list of the most restaurants per capita in the whole country, and small enough that I can walk to just about any of them in under an hour."

The Old Port from above.

Abby Johnson-Ruscansky

Johnson-Ruscansky first got into photography when she received a Kodak camera around age nine, and has since been photographing family, friends, and the places around her home that inspire her. "Portland has a great community of artists in all medias," she explains, "and the surrounding beauty helps shape my work."

Latte at Tandem Coffee + Bakery

Abby Johnson-Ruscansky

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So who better to ask for some insider tips than a native who spends her time studying the town with a more inquisitive eye than most? "Bard Coffee has what I think is the world's best mocha latte," Johnson-Ruscansky begins, "Duckfat for french fries fried in duck fat; Otto for when you want mashed potatoes on your pizza; Hunt and Alpine for amazing cocktails; Tandem Coffee + Bakery for the best turkey sandwich you'll ever eat." Did you screenshot all that? "In case it wasn't clear," Johnson-Ruscansky concludes, "the food in Portland is my favorite part."

Keep scrolling for some of Johnson-Ruscansky's favorite photographs of Portland.

The Arts District and Monument Square in Portland.

Abby Johnson-Ruscansky

Neon sign at Oxbox Brewing, home to some of Portland's greatest beer!

Abby Johnson-Ruscansky

According to Johnson-Ruscansky, Bard Coffee on Middle Street makes the best mocha lattes anywhere.

Abby Johnson-Ruscansky

Otto Pizza.

Abby Johnson-Ruscansky

The smorgasbord at Hunt and Alpine, accompanied by their White Noise cocktail.

Abby Johnson-Ruscansky

Congress Street in Downtown Portland.

Abby Johnson-Ruscansky

Abby Johnson-Ruscansky

For more of Abby's photos follow her on Instagram and Snapchat @aabbyylou or visit her websiteabbylouna.com.